Charitable organisations helping people in Slough develop skills for careers in the creative industries can apply for grants of up to £30,000.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Regional Creatives Fund, which supports established programmes helping people from underserved communities access careers in areas including music, film, television, theatre, gaming, journalism, photography, fashion and digital media.
The funding could help organisations in Slough expand existing training programmes, provide mentoring and industry placements, or create further opportunities for people who face barriers entering creative careers.
Slough-based youth creative collective Beat Routes received £10,000 from the fund in 2025.
The organisation works with young people aged between 13 and 25, using music, heritage, modern subcultures and emerging technologies to help participants develop creative skills, confidence and potential career pathways.
Beat Routes says the funding has helped sustain its year-round creative employment programme and supported more than 300 young people in Slough during the past year.
Katie Nutt, from Beat Routes, said: “The £10,000 grant from the Regional Creatives Fund has been vital in sustaining our year-round creative employment pathway for young people facing barriers in Slough.
“Over the past year, it has helped more than 300 young people gain creative skills, build confidence and take real steps towards careers in the music industry.
“For so many of them, Beat Routes is something they rely on for their mental health, their creativity, connecting with friends and making new ones, and for the mentorship that opens up genuine opportunities.”
The fund is open to UK-registered charities, Community Interest Companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations that already operate creative skills programmes for underserved communities.
Individual organisations can apply for grants of up to £30,000, while groups of organisations working together within the same region can apply for combined funding of up to £100,000.
Applicants must demonstrate that their programme is already making a positive difference and explain how the funding would help sustain, expand or develop its work.
Eligible projects can cover a wide range of creative sectors, including music production and performance, theatre and live events, film and television, radio and podcasting, gaming, digital design, journalism, publishing, photography, visual arts, fashion and comedy.
Applications will be assessed on the potential impact of the project, its approach to inclusion, the strength of its delivery plan and the opportunities it provides for participants to develop practical skills and industry connections.
The Regional Creatives Fund was established by Amazon in 2025 and brings together representatives from organisations across the UK’s cultural and creative sectors.
Applications close on 2 August 2026.